Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Richard LoweThis evening: RC Pochard - 2 females off Sheepwash; YL Gull (2cy) off Visitor Centre; LRP - 2 and Curlew on sailing club front; GN Diver looking resplendent in middle of res. Plus 10’s swallows/sand martins over the water in light rain.18/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe first Arctic and Common Terms and Garden Warblers (2) from/around Stones island this morning. The GNDiver came very close at one point, stunning in full breeding plumage. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, and 2 distant fly-through waders may well have been Whimbrel.18/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMDThe welcome change in the weather brought about a bit of a change, with a handful of waders and the first Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed. A probable total of 5 Black-tailed Godwits (3+2) were found by Clive and Alan, and a Common Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin were on sailing club shore late morning. Wildfowl included a drake Shoveler, female Teal, 2 female Red-crested and at least 3 Common Pochard. The GNDiver still, looking very nice indeed. c100 Sand Martins. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood and 2 singing Redstarts (Hopton end and WLC fields). 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones island. 2 Redwing still at Hopton end.15/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver had a good fly around this morning. Wonder if it's thinking about leaving early again? 2 Common Sandpiper on Watersports island; singing Sedge Warbler there and another on Stones. 7 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard off Stones. 40 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows and 2 House Martins. More Willow Warblers than yesterday, 7 between Stones and WLC creek. Redstart singing in WLC fields.14/04/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 265 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 29 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, 3 Mute Swan, 8 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 88 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 211 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 91 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 22 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Heron. Elsewhere, Barn Owl hunting early am; influx of hirundines in the cloudy conditions: 250 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 5 House Martins off Stones; Mistle Thrush with food at Hopton end.13/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones this morning, rapidly turning into breeding plumage. Wildfowl included 1 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 2 Little Egret. Singing Pied Flycatcher in Hall Wood (also reported yesterday) and 2 singing Redstarts.12/04/2025
Simon Roddis2 drake Common Scoters were out in the middle of the res this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones island. Drake Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 9 Common Pochard. 2 more broods of Mallard ducklings. Little Egret still at Sheepwash/Lane End. 4 Sparrowhawks and 3 Kestrels. Male Redstart singing in WLC fields. 10 Linnets on the dam wall.11/04/2025
Simon Roddis3 singing Willow Tits in the southern tetrad on my final survey of the season. Perimeter counts of 162 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 40 Blackcaps, 3 drumming GSWoodpecker. Singing male Redstart near Oldfield Lane. GNDiver still from Stones Island. Pair of Mandarin in Tail Bay. 6 drake Goldeneye. 7 Pochard. 1 female Red-crested Pochard. Brood of 10 Mallard ducklings below Middle Wood. 13 Meadow Pipits (12 in dam wall fields). And Clive had a Common Sandpiper at sailing club.10/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones island. Wildfowl included 8 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2f Red-crested Pochard, 2m Goldeneye. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. c30 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins around Stones, built up during the morning. 1 Skylark N over Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Redpoll over Hall Wood.09/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver was off Stones this morning but no sign of the Red-throat. 2 female Red-crested Pochard again, 12 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler. Little Egret again on Sheepwash spit. 47 Fieldfare flew N up the east side late morning, and Mike Redfern reported a singing Redstart at Millfields, the first of the year.08/04/2025
Simon RoddisFrom Stones island early morning, the GN and Red-throated Divers and 2 female Red-crested Pochard. Yesterday's pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were with Black-heads on the field between the visitor centre and the play area. Nil return on a Willow Tit survey in the northern tetrad but 2 singing around Fishtail Creek. Perimeter counts of 154 Chiffchaff, 23 Blackcap but only 5 Willow Warblers. A few duck were new in: 5 Wigeon, a pair of Shovelers at Millfields, and Clive had 4 Teal.07/04/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Coot, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk, Robin, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Gadwall06/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers still present this morning. A beautiful pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over Stones island at 10:15 and settled on Horseshoe island, where they happily stayed until 11:00 when a boat got too close to the island and put all the gulls up. Aaarrgh! Looked like a small northerly movement of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls too. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Definitely more hirundines this morning, 10+ Swallows and 25+ Sand Martins. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early on.06/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers still from Stones island (and Millfields). Female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 277 Lesser Black-backs over Hopton end early morning. 3 House Martins.05/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonHighlights of a very nice morning at Carsi were at least 27 (possibly 35) Little Gulls, 2 Avocets which hung around Watersports island, 2 House Martins N past Stones island, and the GNDiver still, which took a couple of short flights. Couldn't find the Red-throated Diver. 3 Pochard and 2 female Red-crested Pochard at sailing club. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. 2 singing Willow Warblers.04/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers were still present this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard seems to have gained a friend, a male Common Pochard, and was off Stones Island this morning. Little Egret roosting at Sheepwash early morning. A small northerly passage of c25 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows. GSWoodpecker drumming in Hall Wood.03/04/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDThe GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning, and the Red-throated Diver towards Millfields. Incidentally, today is the 100th day of the Red-throat's stay here. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. A Rook was actively mobbing 3 Buzzards over WLC fields - rather unusual in my experience to see Rooks mobbing raptors in this country. 48 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Skylark and 2 Linnets flew N over the dam wall.02/04/2025
Simon RoddisRed-throated and GN Divers again from Stones this morning. 16 Curlew early on. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 2 Shelduck (yesterday's birds, perhaps?). 250 Common Gulls out over WLC creek early morning. This afternoon, Clive found at least 6 Little Gulls off Lane End late afternoon, and there were 8 from Sheepwash hide early evening.01/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 24 Pheasant, 10 Little Grebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 4 drumming GS Woodpeckers, 5 Jay, 15 Magpie, 13 Coal Tit, 77 Blue, 32 Great, 9 Long-tailed, 1 Skylark, 135 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 135 Wren, 7 Nuthatch, 8 singing Treecreeper, 35 Song Thrush, 10 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing, 62 Blackbird, 152 Robin, 36 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wag, 5 Pied Wag, 22 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 4 male Reed Buntings. Also the GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Shelduck, female RcPochard.31/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found an adult Kittiwake off Stones early morning, it hung around for at least an hour or so, getting a bit of hassle from the BhGs. Both divers still, over towards the east side. Female Red-crested Pochard again at Millfields. 13 Snipe (7 from PS hide, 6 on Horseshoe island). Little Egret past PS hide.30/03/2025
Simon RoddisA Jack Snipe was at Paul Stanley hide early this morning, along with 4 Common Snipe (plus another 11 Common at WLC, bit of an influx, maybe). The GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island. 12 Sand Martin. Singing Blackcaps on Stones and at Sheepwash. A flock of 9 distant unidentified Redshank-sized waders flew north. Alan had a Little Egret briefly on Horseshoe island.28/03/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard again off sailing club. 98 GCGrebes! 21 just from the WLC. Blackbird nest-building on Stones, and at least 1 Redpoll still there.27/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island this morning, and the female Red-crested Pochard in sailing club bay. 25 Wigeon and 2 drake Shoveler suggests some wildfowl movement. The male Mandarin that flew past Stones probably hadn't come as far! The Pink-footed Goose was off Lane End. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Skylarks in the dam wall fields.26/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonAnother Kittiwake (or one of yesterday's birds?) was at Sheepwash early morning, and a Brambling on Stones island mid-morning (an increasingly regular spring occurrence, it seems). The GN and Red-throated Divers both from Stones too. 14 Barnacle and 1 Pink-footed Goose. Pair of Mandarin flew into Tail Bay. The female Red-crested Pochard was off the sailing club this morning. 80+ GCGrebes. 1 sub-adult GBbGull. 4 Swallows and 16 Sand Martins on/around Stones, and Blackcap still singing there. c30 Meadow Pipits flew N.25/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSAnother fine spring morning. 2 adult Kittiwakes appeared among the Black-headed Gulls on the water late in the morning, perhaps they'd been there all along. The GN and Red-throated Divers were still visible from Stones island. Wildfowl included a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, and Clive saw the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields early on. A Dunlin (very scarce here of late) flew N past Stones. 5 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins were around Stones, along with singing Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Flock of at least 300 Starlings flew N over WLC creek.24/03/2025
Richard LoweOff Stones Is late afternoon an adult Kittiwake in the gull roost; plus single Swallow and Sand Martin over Stones Is causeway.23/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHS et al.Another excellent morning. The pair of Garganey were on Watersports island, visible from Stones causeway, most of the morning. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year flew over Stones and 2 Swallows joined 5 Sand Martins there. Willow Warbler and Blackcap still singing. The GN and Red-throated Divers off Stones still. 5 Wigeon. The female Red-crested Pochard was with a single female Common Pochard at Paul Stanley hide early morning. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash.23/03/2025
Richard LoweA pair of Garganey distantly off Millfields at 1pm ish were a highlight, together with GN and RTDivers off Stones Is.22/03/2025
Simon RoddisA very decent morning started with a Sandwich Tern N past Stones island at 06:35, the first March record here. A Blackcap was singing, the GN and Red-throated Divers were out on the water and 3 Sand Martins flew N. As I came off Stones a Willow Warbler was singing on the causeway, the earliest ever here (by a day). 11 Wigeon flew around, Clive had a Pintail and the female Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields. 6 Curlew and 3 Redshank. About 1,000 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek first thing.22/03/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KRAlan had the first Sand Martin of the year briefly past Stones island this morning. The GN and Red-throated Divers still, and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 4 Wigeon. 6 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 3 Redshank. Peregrine over Shiningford. 20 Redwing. 7 Linnets.21/03/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter from Stones island this morning, plus the GN and Red-throated Divers. One female Pochard. Clive and Alan had a Little Egret from Stones. 15 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks from the dam wall, and a singing Skylark there.20/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The Red-throat flew around for a while but dropped back in. 2 pairs of Shoveler. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 421 Woodpigeons and 440 Starlings flew mostly NE during the morning.19/03/2025
Richard LoweLate this afternoon: 1st w Med Gull off Horseshoe Is; RCPochard (f), Avocet (3) - flew off and lost to sight late afternoon, RT and GN Divers all off Millfields earlier this afternoon.18/03/2025
Simon Roddis3 Avocets on Millfields island mid-morning were a nice surprise, and a Red-legged Partridge was calling at Hopton end early morning (both first of the year). 30 Goldeneye. GN and Red-throated Divers still. Survey for Willow Tits in the southern tetrad (which does not include the entire southern end) found 3 pairs, in different locations from the 2 I found in the tetrad in February. 55 Chiffchaffs around the perimeter, fewer than I had expected.18/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe Rock Pipit showed well on the shore below the Watersports centre mid morning. GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones, the 2 drake Greater Scaup again off Lane End, while the female Red-crested Pochard was at sailing club for a change.17/03/2025
SJR, JB, CAMonthly wildfowl count: 121 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 17 Greylags, 4 Mute Swan, 16 Gadwall, 69 Mallard, 8 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 97 Tufted, 1 Pochard, 2 Scaup, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 25 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 274 Coot, 11 Little Grebe, 77 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 GNDiver, 22 Cormorant, 2 Heron. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones causeway towards sailing club late morning.16/03/2025
Dave Armitt5 Oystercatcher, 1 Red crested Pochard, 1 Red Throated Diver, 2 Goldeneye, 8 Chiffchaff , 7 Barnacle goose,4 Little Grebe, 28 Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Treecreeper16/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe long-staying GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Scaup and now the female Red-crested Pochard still present this morning. The Scaup seemed to be moving about a bit, perhaps because fishing boats are out on the water for the first time this year. Let's see how long they'll put up with that. 2 Whooper Swans were at sailing club but departed NW at 09:20. Pair of Shoveler at Shiningford. 25 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning, and 16 Pied Wagtails came out of their roost there. 14 Oystercatcher. Presumably the same Peregrine twice over Hognaston. Total of c400 Starlings and 33 Redwing.15/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMDA female Common Scoter, the first of the year, was off Millfields this morning. The GN and Red-throated Divers, the 2 Greater Scaup and the female Red-crested Pochard again on their usual beats. 27 Barnacle Geese. Drake Shoveler. 5 Redshank, a definite increase. A bit of vismig involving small numbers of Chaffinches, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtails.14/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSGN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island, the 2 drake Greater Scaup off Lane End, and the female Red-crested Pochard reportedly still at Millfields. 22 Barnacle Geese. 50 Redwing. 12 Siskin flew N.13/03/2025
Richard LoweThis evening: Med Gull (3) - 1st w (unringed bird) in BHGull colony on Horseshoe Is; 2 Ads in roost off Stones Is. Plus GNDiver.12/03/2025
Simon RoddisAt the risk of being repetitious, the GN and Red-throated Divers were both off Stones island this morning, the 2 Scaup off Lane End and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Pair of Shoveler again at Sheepwash. 25 Barnacle Geese. 17 Curlew on Horseshoe Island and c2,500 Common Gulls flew out early morning. Later in the morning, and strictly speaking not at Carsington, a huge flock of Starlings, maybe 5-10,000, were visible from Stones island a mile or two to the south, somewhere in the Hulland area.12/03/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon: YLGull (ad) on sailing club jetty; GNDiver off Stones Is; Goldeneye (7) displaying off Stones Is.11/03/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island, the 2 drake Greater Scaup off Lane End and the female Red-crested Pochard again at Millfields. Pair of Shoveler still at Sheepwash. A male Mandarin flew in over Hopton reedbed early morning, my first of the year here. 12 Oystercatcher. Single Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Hopton end early morning, and 15 Pied Wagtails out of the reedbed.. Total of 11 Ravens, including 9 tumbling over the pastures. 21 Fieldfare flew N up the east side.11/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GN and Red-throated Divers were again visible from Stones island this morning. The 2 drake Scaup were off Sheepwash, and a pair of Shoveler there. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 4 migrant Wigeon out in the middle. 18 Curlew. Total of at least 75 Redwing.10/03/2025
Richard LoweEarly afternoon: Mediterranean Gull (1st w) off Sailing Club; Whooper Swan (16) off Lane End.09/03/2025
Simon RoddisSurvey for Willow Tits in the northern tetrad (not quite the same as the northern half) found just 2 birds, plus another pair off the transect. 47 Chiffchaffs around the perimeter. 16 Whooper Swans off Sheepwash. The female Red-crested Pochard was again at Millfields.09/03/2025
Richard LoweAt Carsington early evening: Med Gull (2) - ad in roost; 1st w (unringed) in BHG colony on Horseshoe Is. Whooper Swan (5) flew off from Wildlife Hide towards Dam Wall and lost to sight. RT and GNDivers still present from Stones Is.08/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonAnother excellent morning, with another winter plumage Black-necked Grebe off Stones island, the GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Greater Scaup still, 5 Whooper Swans, 7 Pintail, an adult Mediterranean Gull on Horseshoe island, and Dimple, the female Red-crested Pochard, in the same spot at Millfields where Clive saw her yesterday. 3 Redshank. 20 Chaffinch NE over WLC creek.08/03/2025
Richard LoweAt Carsington this evening: Med Gull (2) - ad, 1st w. Plus Pintail (2), Shelduck (1), GN and RTDiver. (1st w Med had yellow colour ring).07/03/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2018-05-213 Turnstones on Sailing Club island. Monthly WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan (2 nests), 7 Greylag, 71 Canada, 4 Barnacle, 14 Gadwall, 52 Mallard, 95 Tufted, 17 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 40 GCGrebe (8 nests), 61 Coot, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 2 Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 400 BhG, 5 LBbG, 4 GBbG, 1 imm Y-l Gull. Also 5 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end and 2 Spotted Fly (Brown Ale and Penn Carr).Simon Roddis
2018-05-202 Turnstones on Sailing Club Island 07:50hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-05-19This morning Spotted Flycatcher WLC Creek, Blackcap at Lane EndERIC DEWHURST
2018-05-182 Mute Swan nests with sitting adults. Broods of 6, 6 and 2 Canada Geese at Sheepwash/Brown Ale. New brood of 9 small Mallard ducklings at Millfields. 12 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 3 Little Grebes. 8 Lapwing. 8 Redshank. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. 3 Spotted Fly singing (Hall Wood, Brown Ale Bay, Penn Carr). Redstarts singing at Hopton end and top of Hall Wood. Fledged Robin at WLC. Simon Roddis
2018-05-16An immature (probably first-summer) Caspian Gull off Stones island/Sailing Club. Noticeable increase in hirundines today: 80 Sand Martins, 18 House Martins and 15 Swallows.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-15Quiet this morning. 9 imm GBbGulls. Sedge Warblers still on Sailing Club island and near Millfields island. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. Redstart singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2018-05-13The GNDiver was off Stones for much of the morning and an Arctic Tern stayed for a while. Red Kite flew down the east side 0915-0920. Drake Pochard. Greylag (9) and Canada Goose (6) broods at Sheepwash. Single Ringed Plover and Dunlin. 2 singing Common Sands. 30 Swifts. Male Peregrine. Redstart and Lesser Whitethoat singing in WLC fields.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-12The GNDiver was off Stones still this morning. A Little Egret, initially on Stones and then up at Sheepwash, is the first of the year at Carsi. One Common Tern early on. 1 Whimbrel. 2 Collared Doves at Millfields. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. 38 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning.Simon Roddis
2018-05-11The GNDiver still, had a fly around mid-morning. A Red Kite flew over the pastures at 09:10. 70+ Swifts. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sandpiper. Imm Y-l Gull. 4 GBbG. 25 Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-05-10The GNDiver is hanging on, looking splendid now. Drake Common Scoter still there too, off Sheepwash. 1 Arctic Tern through. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 first-summer Common Gull. 3 imm GBbGs. 30 Swifts. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
2018-05-08The GNDiver was still there this morning but flew around for 10 mins at about 9am. Drake Common Scoter also still there. 10 Mute Swan. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sandpiper. Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2018-05-081 Red-crested Pochard, 22 Canada Goose,10 Mallard,9 Oystercatcher,5 Pied Wagtail,7 Cormorant,15 BH Gull,4 Redshank,3 Lapwing,8 Great Crested Grebe,4 Mute Swan,25 Tufted Duck,4 Gadwall,1 Buzzard,1 Barnacle Goose,2 Tree Sparrow,1 GBB Gull,1 Robin,2 LRP,1 Grey Heron,2 Greylag Goose,1 LBB Gull,2 Chiffchaff, GN Diver ( From sheep wash Hide)David Armitt
2018-05-06Following species were logged collectively by the Birdwatching for Beginners group, 10am-noon: Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Carrion Crow, Robin, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Mallard, Coot, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Magpie, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Northern Diver, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Dunnock and CormorantGary Atkins
2018-05-06The GNDiver was still there this morning, along with the drake Common Scoter and a mobile drake Red-crested Pochard (first of the year). 10 Gadwall. 2 Stock Doves singing at Hopton end. 3 singing Sedge Warblers (Millfields, Sailing Club island and WLC creek). 3 singing Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. Simon Roddis
2018-05-05The GNDiver was still present this evening, from Stones island. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island now have 4 small chicks. Imm Y-l Gull. 18 Pied and 1 Grey Wagtail flew into Hopton reedbed at dusk, and 1 Yellow Wag flew NE over. Going slightly off-topic, while watching from the Hopton end I saw 46 large bats (Noctules?) fly east to west over the res in 2-3 minutes around 8.50pm, probably coming out of Hall Wood. Never seen anything like it.Simon Roddis
2018-05-04A Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr is the earliest ever at Carsington by one day. Alan S. had a Whinchat in the gorse field above Middle Wood. The GNDiver, drake Common Scoter and first-summer Little Gull all still present off Stones island. 11 Mute Swan. 1 male Mandarin. 10 Gadwall. 1 Arctic Tern through. Imm Y-l Gull. 1 Skylark over Stones. 2 Sedge Warblers (Millfields and Sailing Club island). At least 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. Interesting bit of Sparrowhawk hunting behaviour: a male chased a Song Thrush and both crashed into a willow; they both seemed to rest for a few seconds but when the thrush tried to get away, the Sparrowhawk quickly brought it back to ground under the willow, at which point a female Sparrowhawk dived into the fray. Surprisingly, the Song Thrush made another getaway but the female Spar chased and caught it - which I guess spelt the end for the Song Thrush.Simon Roddis
2018-05-03Evening visit: a drake Common Scoter dropped in just before 1930 but flew again shortly afterwards. The GNDiver still from Stones and the Little Gull at WLC. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Grey Wag and 3 Moorhens at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-05-03The GNDiver, now in virtually compete summer plumage, was off Stones island this morning. First-summer Little Gull also still present. 12 Swifts from Stones. Total of 7 LRP. Lesser Whitethroat singing between WLC and Shiningford creeks. Reed Warbler singing in BA Bay.SJR, AHS, CA
2018-05-02Stones Island 16-15 Great Northern Diver off stones 2 artic terns and swift overhead.Dave Horsley
2018-05-02Quite a morning: c240 Arctic and 10 Common Terns counted up to 1130hrs, 2 Little Gulls (adult and first summer), GN Diver, 2 Dunlin, a Greenshank flew over Stones Island, Yellow Wagtail on Stones, pair of Mandarin.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington.
2018-05-013 Common Sandpiper late afternoon on Stones. At least 5 Little Ringed Plover.Neil Moulden
2018-05-0121 Arctic Terns at 16.00 hrs. 1 imm Little Gull.Neil Moulden
2018-04-301st summer Little Gull and GNDiver still off Stones Island 0830hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-04-29GN Diver still, 4 Arctic Terns through, 1st summer Little Gull, 3 Yellow wags on the dam wall [JB] and 1 on Stones [AHS], pair of Goosander over, imm YL Gull, 3+ Herring Gull, 2 GBB Gull.clive ashton
2018-04-291 Arctic Tern at 0745hr then 8 at 0935 until 1020hr at least, GN Diver almost in summer plumage, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Yellow Wags, imm Peregrine, 100+ Swallow, 5+ Swift.clive ashton
2018-04-28Little gull from Stones Island hideTom Aspinall
2018-04-26this morning from stones island Great northern diver still present and well into its moult, 2 Common sandpipers,2 Little ringed plovers,1 Swift, Swallows,Sand and House martins increased in numbers,warblers present were Sedge,Common whitethroat, Lesser whitethroat,Blackcap,Garden, Chiffchaff and Willow warbler, and 1 Yellow wagtail.A H Stewardson
2018-04-25The GNDiver still off Stones. Male Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 2 Peregrines, m&f. 1 Ringed Plover. 3 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Snipe at WLC. 2 Common Tern. 1 Swift over Stones. c100 Sand Martin, 20 House and 40 Swallows. 2 Sedge Warblers (Sailing Club island and Millfields). Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones, and 1 White Wag down. 4 Linnet. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-04-24Afternoon visit great northern diver off stones island.5 mute swan.60 canada geese.8 greylag geese.26 barnacle geese(16 wlc.10 millfields).3 gadwall.96 tufted duck.3 common sandpipers(stones island).4 snipe(wlc).3 little ringed plover.7 redshank.8 oystercatchers.3 lapwing.min 15 sand martins(off stones island).grey wagtail.sparrowhawk.2s g b b gull.Chris brown.dave newcombe
2018-04-24A count around the perimeter of the res this morning recorded 52 Chiffchaffs (38 singing), 32 singing Willow Warblers, 70 Blackcaps (55 singing), 3 singing Garden Warblers, 3 singing Common and 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed (first of the year, I believe), 56 singing Wrens, 36 singing Blackbirds, 11 singing Song Thrushes, 45 singing Robins, 5 singing Redstarts and 16 singing Chaffinches. Also: the GNDiver still, 4 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 8 Willow Tits, and a brood of 6 Mallard ducklings at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-22A superb 1-year old Red Kite flew low over Stones island this morning (seen earlier by the vols at WLC), as good a view as you could ask for. GNDiver still. 1 Arctic Tern. 1 Common Tern. 25 Barnacle Geese. 2 Goldeneye. 2 Peregrines. Pair of Kestrels mating on Watersports island. 2 LRP. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. 3 Yellow Wags over.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Dan Martin
2018-04-21Singing Garden Warbler on Stones island and Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island, plus Jon Bradley had Common Whitethroat between BA Bay and Hopton. 2 Swifts flew SW over the Shiningford area just before 0900. The GNDiver still. Brood of 8 Mallard ducklings on Stones. 10 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 2 LRP. 4 Curlew. 16 imm GBbG. 4 Stock Doves. Redstart singing at the Hopton end. 7 Treecreepers singing in the Hopton end/Hall Wood area.Simon Roddis
2018-04-203 Sandwich Terns first seen at 1005, spent some time perched on a buoy before gaining height and presumably leaving at 1050. GNDiver still. Drake Common Scoter and Shoveler. 2 Shelduck. 4 Ringed Plover. 3 LRP. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Curlew. 3 Common Sandpiper. 7 GBbG (6 through). Lesser Whitethroat singing on Shiningford side of WLC creek. Pair (m&f) of Redstarts in WLC fields (Roger C had 2 singing earlier).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-19At least 2, possibly 3, Sandwich Terns this morning: 1 at 0800 appeared to fly NE at 0815 but it probably returned at 0820, before another came in at 0900 and they both flew NE. 5 LRP, Bar-tailed Godwit still, 3 Lesser Whitethroat singing (WLC Creek, adjacent to Flat Island and Stones).Clive Ashton
2018-04-17From Stones island this morning, 4 Arctic Terns, 2 Whimbrel, 1 summer plumage Dunlin, 1 winter plumage Barwit (presumably yesterday's bird still), drake Common Scoter, the GNDiver, 2 Goosander, 2 LRP, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Fieldfare and 8 Linnet. Redstart again singing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-16A male Pied Flycatcher was at the bottom end of WLC fields around 0915, and a male Redstart was singing at the top of the creek. Winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit from the WLC itself. The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarin (3m,1f) at WLC. 11 Gadwall (5m,2f at WLC, 3m,1f BA Bay). 3 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 1 Curlew. c400 BhGs around Millfields island. 2 Peregrine (adult m, imm f). 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones. Single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-04-15Re Peter's request: you can usually see the GNDiver from Stones island, most likely out in the middle of the res but sometimes quite close. Occasionally it goes down towards Millfields or even up to Sheepwash, so try those if Stones doesn't work. About the Scaup - it looks as if it has gone, not been seen the last 2 days; it was best looked for from the WLC or Stones causeway. If it's any consolation, a male Common Scoter has been there for 3 days now, again best seen from Stones. Hope that helps.Simon Roddis
2018-04-15Monthly WeBS count: 11 Mute Swan, 17 Greylags, 12 Barnacle Geese, 110 Canadas, 4 Mandarin, 10 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 59 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 79 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 2 Moorhen, 53 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 9 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe. Also: 7 ad Little Gulls (6 straight through, 1 lingered a while), 10+ imm Herring Gulls, imm Y-l Gull, 2 Arctic and 1 Common Tern through, 3 Stock Doves and 2 Redwing at Sheepwash, 11 Chiffchaff and 8 Blackcap between lane End and the Hopton end, 6 Linnets flew N.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Clive Ashton
2018-04-15Can anyone help Peter? Peter Smitham We’re is the best place to locate the GND and Male Scaup on Carsington?..a few of us visiting tomorrow and would like to be in for a chance in spotting them....TIA...RichardP
2018-04-1413 Common Scoters this morning, probably yesterday's male plus 9m and 3f. 6 Wigeon and a drake Pochard were also new in. 8 Goldeneye. The GNDiver is starting to get a bit of spotting on its upperparts. Didn't see the Scaup. A Red Kite over Carsington Pastures was the first of the year here. Adult Kittiwake. Hirundines: 15 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wags over and 6 White Wags down on Stones island. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-04-13A drake Common Scoter was off Horseshoe island this morning and was still present mid-afternoon. The GNDiver and Scaup are also still there. A few hirundines this afternoon, 15 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins and 4 House Martins.Simon Roddis
2018-04-12Not a bad morning despite the murk. A sub-adult Mediterranean Gull (found by Roger C) was at Millfields island; just a couple of thin slivers of black on the primaries. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still present. 18 Greylags. 10 Barnacle Geese. 3 Mandarins at the WLC. 7 Gadwall. 5 Goldeneye. 17 Cormorant. 3 LRP. Common Sandpiper on Stones island. 5 Snipe at WLC. The imm Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 imm Herring Gull. 2 Jay at Millfields. 6 Swallow. A mixed flock of 90 Fieldfares and Redwings flew NE over the Hopton end at 1215; they seemed to be in roughly equal numbers, so c45 of each. 2 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-04-09The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 2 adult Kittiwakes from 0830 to 1310 at least, first from Stones and later from Millfields. 2 White Wagtails on Stones island for most of the morning. 3 Mandarins at the WLC. A pair of Shoveler dropped into Millfields at 1300 and 2 pairs of Gadwall there. 10 Common Snipe at the WLC. Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs now all in but didn't see any new migrants other than the White Wags.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-04-091 Scaup,1 Barnacle Goose,50 Canada Goose,16 Tufted Duck,16 Mallards, 4 oystercatcher,4 Sand Martins,2 Chiffchaff,4 Long Tailed Tit,1 Little ring Plover,8 Teal,4 Gadwall,2 Mute Swans,2 Tree Sparrows,2 Dunnock,1 Swallow,1 Buzzard,1 GBB Gull,1 little Grebe, Mandarin 2 Male 1 Female, 19 Great Crested Grebe,4 Chaffinch,2 Blue Tit,1 Nuthatch,2 Redshank,6 Cormorant,1 Sparrow Hawk David Armitt
2018-04-081 Common Sandpiper and 1 Redshank on Watersports Island at 12.30pm. Paul Bennett
2018-04-082 Willow Warblers and 5+ Chiffchaffs on stones island. Also Scaup still from Wildlife Centre.Luke Stoppard
2018-04-08Species noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Coot, Little Grebe, Scaup, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Northern Diver, Great Black-backed Gull, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Wren, Dunnock, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (x2), Buzzard, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Robin, Greylag Goose, Kestrel, Great Tit, Teal, Blackbird, Raven, Gadwall, Sand Martin, Swallow, Magpie, Willow Tit and Chaffinch. Gary Atkins
2018-04-084 adult Kittiwakes (initially 3 but then joined by another) from Stones 0900-1000. The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. 2 pairs Mandarin. 1m Wigeon. 2 LRP. 1 Curlew. Roger C had a Common Sand on Stones causeway early morning but not subsequently. Imm Yellow-leg, 2 Herring and 4 GBbGulls. Pair of Kestrels mating in WLC fields. Blackcaps singing at Penn Carr, WLC and near PS hide. 1 Redwing at Millfields. Simon Roddis
2018-04-06New this morning were 2 male Blackcaps, at Millfields and WLC creek. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones island. 5 Swallows. 1 LRP. 13 Barnacle Geese including 4 pairs at Millfields island. 8 Gadwall (4 pairs). Male Shoveler. 4 Goldeneye. 7 Stock Dove including a pair displaying at the top of WLC creek. 40 Fieldfare flew NE up the west side.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Roger Carrington
2018-04-05The Black-necked Grebe was still off the dam wall, viewable from Millfields, to 1245 at least. The GNDiver and Scaup still present. 5 Pochard (1m,4f). 4 Goldeneye. 4+ LRP. 1 Curlew. 38 GBbGulls off Sailing Club early morning, presumably having roosted overnight, and most headed off north during the morning. 3 Herring Gull. 1 Peregrine. 4 Raven. 10+ Sand Martin and c5 Swallows. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones/the causeway.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton

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